I have a simple theory…
Writing is almost like creating something from nothing: from the mind into reality. Therefore, writing brings the writer joy because in his DNA is the ink stain of the One who created him.
In every writer is a little bit of the Author, evidence of His handiwork.
My actual keyboard š
Filed under Apologetics, blogging, writing
That was the question my wife asked me the other day. I mentioned this blog and then out of the blue she asked me, “Why don’t you write anymore?”
Funny thing, I write all the time! The problem is that I have not been writing articles/posts for the blog that started it all. But what really caught me by surprise was the question. What ever happened to “You spend too much time on that blog”?
Have you ever had that feeling? You know, that kind of feeling that tells you winning is not an option. Like, “danged if I do, danged if I don’t” kind of stuff.
Here’s the thing, either way it’s really a win. Why? Because it just shows my wife cares.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Valerie š
Look, I know it’s a bad time to ask you to buy anything, especially since, you know, inflation and all that.
However, I’d really love for you to get a copy of my new book in your hands. Believe me, you’ll find it very encouraging and helpful for you and your local congregation.
Don’t believe me? Read this comment:
A cool program for door-to-door community ministry in today’s mistrustful social environment. This is a complete step by step program that can be implemented by any small (or large) church. Street of the Week is not “in your face” or obnoxious. It leans on the power of praying specifically for the people on a given street and delivering fresh cookies!
T. Warner
Thank you for considering it, both for you, your pastor, and a friend š
Filed under book review, Witnessing, writing
Recently I shared with some close friends and others for which I have great respect the first example of a potential cover for my next book. I wanted input, but mainly on the layout, graphics, etc. However, a few of them took a slight issue with the subtitle: “Reinventing Door-to-Door Ministry for a Calloused Culture and a Cowardly Church.”
What did they say about it? Well, maybe what you are thinking, too. They advised I tone it down, if only a little, because a lot of church folk have “thin skin.” That’s a no brainer.
However, not to be obstinate, but if I change the title of a book that is designed to specifically address the actual cowardice running rampant in a large part of the Church, would I not be guilty of the same?
I just can’t change it. It has to stay.
But if it helps, let me share with you the short introduction to “You’re Our Street of the Week: Reinventing Door-to-Door Ministry for a Calloused Culture and a Cowardly Church.”
The Introduction
Thank you so much for either picking up a copy or downloading the digital version of this manual for developing a āStreet of the Weekā outreach ministry. It is a tremendous blessing to me that you have the desire to reach your community with the love and message of Jesus Christ!
When you read the subtitle, did it shock you? You know, the part where I called the Church cowardly? I can sympathize. Honestly, it stung my spirit a little when I typed it for the first time. After all, we are the Church Triumphant marching toward Zion, and not even the gates of hell can stand against us! Yet, no scientific survey is needed to conclude that most professing Christians ā even active church members ā are terrified of knocking on a strangerās door, even in their own community!
But itās not just the fearful saint; itās the cynical and suspicious public thatās grown calloused to door-to-door visits. And itās not just Christians they distrust; itās every stranger who shows up uninvited and unannounced to their front door. There used to be a day in America when a person could make a living going door-to-door selling vacuum cleaners, brushes, encyclopedias, life insurance, and even Bibles! People were more trusting, more hospitable, and even naĆÆve. Not today. No way!
People have caught on and donāt want to be āsoldā anything, especially from somebody who rudely interrupted their evening meal. On top of that, the average Christian is either too nice to bother anyone or too intimidated by the ādonāt judge meā culture to openly share their faith.
So, how are the instructions in this little book supposed to change anything? What in this book is going to re-vitalize an obsolete, antiquated, and polarizing church ministry which strikes fear into nearly every believer? Will the instructions within calm nerves, stop knees from quaking, and miraculously inject the courage of a lion into the participantās heart?
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā YES! I am bold enough to promise that YES, it will do just that! But thereās only oneā¦and itās a biggieā¦just one BIG requirement. Are you ready for it?
The draft is still with the editors, but it won’t be too long till it’s finished and available.
Stay tuned š
First things first, I’m cranking up the writing engine again! [Should there be an apostrophe before “again”?]
Anyway, yes, I’m knocking the rust off the old WordPress “publish” button. Time to get back in the fray with my fellow bloggers! I’ve missed you guys (and gals).
But this post is only going to be a quick commercial for my art. I would love for you to take a look. If you see anything that sparks your interest, let me know.
If you have something you’d like for me to paint, I’d be happy to consider it. I’ve already got a few houses and churches in the works, so jump now before the wait gets too long … now THAT would be a blessing!
Oh, and that white bucket truck is a painting, not a photo. š
Last thing, try to go to church somewhere this Lord’s Day.
Have a blessed one!
Anthony
(Speaking to a friend about blogging, I said) We plant and water seeds of hope and love and joy and grace. We sow these seeds all over the world!
Rarely will we see a harvest, but the Holy Spirit knows how to take that divinely inspired “click” and turn it into new life.
It will be interesting, and wonderful, to one day see what God was able to do with the crazy medium of Christian blogging.
To HIM be the glory!
Filed under blogging, Christianity, hobbies, ministry, Uncategorized
First things first, I want to thank a fellow blogger for sending the funds to pay for a year’s worth of ad-free blog posts. I won’t name him on here, but it was a serious blessing. May the Lord bless in return!
Next, to the point of this short post,
I want your help in determining the posts/articles/papers I will write over the next few weeks. It’s not that I have writer’s block; I want to write what you want to read.
You see, there are things I would like to address, including why it is understandable for a Christian to vote for Donald Trump – in response to all the other articles from the Left and left-leaning Republicans who pontificate otherwise.
But some of the things I think are important may not be important to you, or at least most of you. There may even be some subjects about which you would really like to hear my opinion.
And since I don’t have a lot of time to write in the first place, I’d like to make my time count.
Here’s your opportunity to fill the calendar.
Starting this Tuesday, August 17th, and all the way through Tuesday, the 29th of September, I will only write about what YOU suggest. And, if you get it in early enough, I WILL write about it (the best I can, depending on the subject matter).
I’m looking forward to seeing what you suggest. Just leave your suggestions in the comment section.
And who knows? Your suggestion could lead to something groundbreaking, an inspiration that could change the world, even save lives! Millions of them!Ā
You just never know š
God bless, stay well, and thanks for reading!
Anthony
Half of it is covered with my “stuff.” There’s my paints, paper, brushes, a candle for when I am reading, my coffee, magnifiers for looking at watches close up, my Bible, and my laptop.
I didn’t really have time to sit down to write, but the open computer and the longing for that tactile feeling of my fingertips clicking the plasticky, rubbery keys of the keyboard… You know, for the writer, it’s like a drug!
I’ve got reading to do – LOTS of it.
At 1 pm I am supposed to be somewhere.
There’s so many things to talk/write about, yet I just don’t have the energy (emotionally or physically) to do it.
But man, the feeling of that keyboard and the visual proof on the screen that creation is taking place…
I gave in. I’m here. Forgive me.
But I promise, should you want to visit for dinner (or supper), I’ll make sure the table has plenty of room.
I feel much better, now.
Dear friends,
I just wanted to send out a quick update, just in case you were out there wondering why in the world I hadn’t been writing much as of late.
Well, honestly, it all boils down to two simple reasons: I have been more busy than ever because of the virus, and writing, especially about anything going on these days, is simply too tiring.
I can’t do everything. At least not as much as I want to.
So, when things slow down a little and I can afford the luxury to write more, my posts might go back to more in-depth, thoughtful commentary on life, reality, marriage, crime, politics, pets, legalism, watercolor painting, theology, people-watching, watches, zoology, substance abuse, and irrational fears.
Until then, follow Jesus.
Oh, and I’ll include a few videos to show you what I’ve been up to š
– Anthony
Click on the Facebook link to watch Pastor Kenneth Ware and I talk racism and Jesus š The discussion will be on Facebook Live at 2pm eastern.
https://www.facebook.com/events/556523215236606/
Every once in a while I have to write what’s on my mind, even when it might be multi-layered, a little discombobulated, and look like well-worn rabbit trails.
Not every thought needs to develop into a full-blown, well-sourced article. Not every thought needs to be completely thought through before sharing. Sometimes we need to get our thoughts out of our heads and onto paper (or a screen) in order give our brains some stretching room.
Therefore, consider this more like a spring-time yard sale, only the random objects spread across tables and blankets on the driveway are free for the taking. If you like it, it’s yours!
For the record, my mother is dying of cancer. I don’t want to talk about it. All I want to say is that she wanted a new Bible, one she could read without a magnifying glass, and I ordered her one. She was so excited she sounded like Christmas had come.
But aside from getting her Bible in Giant Print, I ordered it in the New Living Translation. That’s worth mentioning because my mother had always been more of a KJV-only type. However, she wanted a new Bible that she could more easily read through large portions in one sitting, as I had recently advised people in our congregation to do.
Even though she probably has no more than a year, at best, she still wanted a new Bible to read. Just think about that for a while.
I don’t subscribe to most conspiracy theories, at least the ones having to do with little green men, Area 51, and the Kennedy assassination.Ā However, if you were to ask me about Area 52, I could tell you about a secret military base (underground) in Arkansas that is powered off the grid by tectonic plates that create energy through the science of “crowd farming,” and that those plates are found in the tiles of 24-hour Walmarts spread around the state of Arkansas. Oh, and I could point out that there are 52 state parks under 52 million square miles, 52 Super Walmarts in Arkansas, and that Arkansas is the global headquarters of Walmart.
But I won’t. That would be craaaazy! You never heard anything from me. Understand?
On the other hand, it is foolhardy to assume the actions of our government are always in our best interests. Like Ronald Reagan once said, the scariest words in the English language are when the government says, “I only want to help you.” That’s why I think if the Bereans were “more noble” for searching the Scriptures instead of taking Paul’s teachings at face value, we should be noble and search the Constitution and Bill of Rights whenever government says they want to keep us safe.
Lastly, may I just say that I am hopeful? Yes, I’m hopeful that what we are seeing in the world is the beginning of another Great Awakening. The slumbering, comfortable Western Church has been slapped back into reality with the forced closures of it’s sanctuaries and parking lots. We have been forced to take “church” outside of the “four walls of normalcy” and out to where ministry can be done.
One thing is for sure, church will never go back to the way it was: it will be different.
Filed under America, current events, General Observations
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The Recovering Legalist 